"Take it. You know the procedure—only this time, clearly imagine what you need. Don't hesitate. This won't go well if you do."

Elaruîn passed him the glass-like bead as Fay's hands trembled. He could already feel the power seeping from the stone, along with the changes it could bring to him.

Fay nodded. He needed this now.

He began to think of the creatures from the book Horin had shown him. At the top of the food chain, all the elements had a dragon as its ruler—each more powerful than the last.

Whether born of fire, ice, or wind, each one seemed to find a way to break their bindings to their master.

Fay wondered if he would suffer the same fate. And if he did, then he would unleash that beast in the hums' lands—to repay what the Sumarg had done to the Ravari, and to Horin.

He just had to picture one of those mighty beasts. One that might even be too powerful for him to control—at least for now.

As the image formed in his mind, a sickening feeling washed over him. All three of his monsters were pulled back instantly back into their realm as his aether drained at an alarming rate.

Fay instinctively grabbed the stones and began draining them of their energy. It was the only thing he could think of to stay alive—or so it felt.

Once every last one had been dried, Elaruîn handed him a few more, along with several leaves from the ancient tree he had kept on hand. Only then did Fay release a deep, ragged breath that made him wish he had never done what he just had.

The creature he had produced felt far too powerful to summon—he even feared doing so in the forest, where the Ravari and Eluwyn lived.

"I warned you, kid… You got too emotional with your wish. But that's not a bad thing. I know your intentions," Elaruîn said softly. "I just hope you won't regret it. That monster you created—it will hunt you down as its owner to gain its freedom.

"But before that happens, it's still possible to release him. To cut the bond. If your plan works… then so be it. They owe me—not just for this time. They took my daughter away… long before today."

This was the first time Fay had seen the Eluwyn he called teacher wear such a vile expression—as if harboring a hatred that could never be quelled.

"I will… find them. All the Eluwyn and Ravari they've taken… You have my word, Master. I owe not only you but Leader Nahrin as well… I'll find Horin and Selûne's sister—Vaenya—and bring them all back."

Elaruîn knew he couldn't make the journey himself. Not only would he draw the attention of every hum before he could act, but the survivors needed him. They would have to erase all traces of their village, relocate the Ravari, and continue tending to the sick.

"Good. Then let's prepare. You'll need maps—ones Nahrin and I worked on. They're simple enough to follow so you won't get lost. You'll also need supplies. The road will stretch on for days. And lastly… valuables. If you can, buy them back instead of fighting. If that fails… then you have your new creature to release upon the world."

Fay was then led into Nahrin's tent, where he was given a detailed rundown of the path he would have to take—one Elaruîn had pieced together from the accounts of the now-deceased prisoners.

It wouldn't be easy—but with Grin's size and stamina, Fay might just be able to catch up before the hostages reached the largest city, Molowisk.

"Just remember, Fay," Elaruîn said, "use your looks to your advantage. We've prepared clothes to help you blend in if you reach the town before the traders do.

"I'll send two Mistwalkers with you, just in case. They'll stay hidden and have their own way of keeping in contact while traveling with Grin. If you need help, let them know—they'll find a way to contact us or intervene."

Once everything was ready, Fay hurried back to see Mira before leaving. She had returned to the sick ward after tending to the wounded from the battle—including checking on Nahrin once more.

She was currently working with Mama Kueha, who had survived and was also healing the injured.

"Mira... I'll be going now. Keep helping where you can—and be strong for the others until I bring Horin back, alright?"

He saw her eyes well up at the mention of Horin's name, and she immediately hugged him tight.

"Fayfay... come back safe—and fast."

Fay nodded and kissed her forehead gently before pulling away.

"I'll go as fast as the wind. Grin's stronger now—he'll get me there and back without trouble."

She smiled faintly as he summoned the beast. Grin licked her playfully, and she clung to one of his massive legs with a hug before Fay climbed on and began to pack his things. He needed to cover two-thirds of the route by nightfall before setting up camp.

If everything went smoothly, he might even reach the open fields by night and ambush the hum slave traders. Everything would depend on the weather.

Fay looked back at the village one last time—then took off, wind slicing through the trees as Grin thundered past them. The creature had already learned to move around them with practiced grace.

A few hours later, they exited the forest and entered a barren wasteland—an area where the hums had cut through the woods carelessly.

It was nothing but cracked earth, dry soil, and a long winding path stretching endlessly ahead. A few plateaus loomed in the distance.

Behind him, Fay spotted one Mistwalker gliding silently overhead, and another riding atop a large green bird.

Both were easily capable of keeping pace with him, but they kept their distance, remaining discreet.

Another three hours passed before Fay finally let Grin rest.

The sun now hung high above them, and Fay decided to walk for a while. As he did, he passively drew aether from the environment—surprisingly faster than usual.

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